Those members wishing to use the service are invited to contact the scheme administrator to discuss his/her requirements in detail. This initial, confidential discussion will establish details of the overall need, together with any preferences for mentors, and potential time commitment. A form is also available for completion by prospective mentors. Details sought include past experience, availability and preferences. 

Once these requirements are established the administrator will seek to find a mentor best suited to meet these needs, and the mentor and mentored will be introduced.

Where the mentee has a clearly defined, relatively short term need, the commitment may be no more than one or two meetings or conversations. A longer-term development need - for example during a course of study - is likely to  require a heavier commitment. 

The method of communication and discussion between mentor and mentored will depend largely on physical location. Face to face communication is preferred and is invariably the most effective, but recognising geographical spread of members, it is accepted that email and telephone are likely to be most practical.

The service is linked to the Socitm CPD scheme, in that points will be awarded to the mentored for development within the mentoring relationship. The mentor will also accrue CPD points for mentoring work, and undergoing any training.